"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
Scotchman Peak, at 7009', is the highest mountain in the Idaho Cabinet Range. It rises nearly a vertical mile above Lake Pend O'Reille(2064') and the small town of Clark Fork. The trail is about five miles long, and is uphill every step of the way. Be in shape!
The trail passes through many forest types: from wet cedar-hemlock, to larch and fir, to lodgepole, and finally to subalpine fir and whitebark pine. The trail is on a south aspect the entire way with no water sources (until the top, where there is usually snow) so bring plenty.
The views are awesome. The pointed peaks of the Selkirks to the west and the Montana Cabinets to the east go forever. The big attraction is the beautiful green Clark Fork River valley and Lake Pend O'Reille, a mile below, stretching out for 30 miles to the south and west.
There are many animals to see. Picas, deer, hawks & eagles, bear, and moutain goats all frequent the big rocky basin east of the peak. Watch the sun set over the Selkirks and some mountain goats will likely come out and catch the last rays with you.
The area to the Northeast is very rugged and remote. There are tens of thousands of alpine acres with few named peaks and no trails. This could be a great jumping off point for the serious seekier of solitude.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions.
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